The annual Food From the Heart Toy Buffet! It sounds like a tongue twister at first, but this event should not be underestimated or discounted as a trivial service. All the people who were involved—young and old—benefitted from the joy that the Toy Buffet brought.

Food From the Heart is a club that works with a local nonprofit organization of the same name. Its goal is to provide the less fortunate with food and love because without a happy belly, there cannot be a healthy body. The SAS high school run service club strives to achieve this goal by spending time packaging, as well as distributing, food to these people. The club also hosts an annual event called the Toy Buffet, which shows underprivileged children that they matter by giving them hope and excitement through the opening of presents.

This year, after receiving and packing over 250 toys, we headed over to Nanyang Polytechnic, where the event was held. The whole place was packed. Countless companies and schools were there, their booths overflowing with toys to give to the kids. Meanwhile, the kids were milling about, picking their toys wisely, and when they received a toy, they gifted us a smile in return.

I remember our booth was trying desperately to get kids to take the rest of our toys. It was towards the end of the Toy Buffet, so energy was low and most of the kids just wanted a bright, shiny toy. I was holding an Elsa costume, and it didn’t take long for an eager little girl to bounce up to me and nervously ask for it. What is she doing with it now? Maybe she’s dancing around her bedroom in her Elsa dress, giggling. That thought brings a smile to my face, and I think that’s what the Toy Buffet is truly about.

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